NFL commits to record nine-game international slate for 2026 season
Commissioner Roger Goodell outlines strategy as Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers head to Paris and Melbourne
The National Football League has announced a record-breaking nine-game international schedule for the 2026 regular season, marking the highest number of matches played outside the United States in the league’s history. The slate features fixtures in London, Paris, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City, underscoring the league’s continued expansion into global markets.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the long-term objective is to eventually expand the international slate to 16 games per season. This announcement follows the initial reveal of three matchups, with the remaining six confirmed on Wednesday, including high-profile contests such as the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the New Orleans Saints in Paris and the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne.
The international calendar is distributed across ten weeks, with London hosting the most games at three. The Jacksonville Jaguars will play consecutive home games abroad, facing the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week 5 and the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium in Week 6. The Washington Commanders will also host the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham in Week 4.
In Paris, the Saints will host the Steelers at Stade de France in Week 7, marking the league’s first game in the French capital. The fixture is notable for the potential involvement of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has not yet confirmed his participation for the season. Rodgers, a four-time MVP, is expected to begin organized team activities next week under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
Other key international matchups include the Baltimore Ravens facing the Dallas Cowboys at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium in Week 3, and the Cincinnati Bengals playing the Atlanta Falcons at Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium in Week 9. The New England Patriots will meet the Detroit Lions in Munich in Week 10, while the Minnesota Vikings will visit the 49ers in Mexico City in Week 11. The complete 2026 regular-season schedule is scheduled to be announced on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, accompanied by a two-hour prime-time special on ESPN and NFL Network.
